Ganesh/Pillaiyar Chathurthi Rangoli-1

Pillaiyar Chathurthi Wishes Pillaiyar / Ganesh Chathurthi is an important festival of Hindus. Ganesha Chathurthi is the birthday of Lord Ganesh which is celebrated with fervour and gaiety in all regions of India. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Shukla Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Bhadra (generally falls between August and September).The duration of this festival varies from 1 day to 11 days, depending on the place and tradition. As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is considered as "Vigana Harta" (one who removes obstacles) and "Buddhi Pradaayaka" (one who grants intelligence). This festival is very important for students, they worship Lord Ganesh to illumine their minds.

According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Parvathi created Ganesh from sandalwood paste which she used to bathe and gave life to the figure. In the absence of Lord Shiva, she gave duty of guarding the entrance while she was taking her bath. Lord Shiva who didn't know about this little boy's sentry work, he tried to trespass the entrance and this made Ganesha to get into a tiff with Lord Shiva. In this combat Lord Shiva severed the head of the Ganesha. Parvathi who was disheartened by her husband's act and made enraged. To pacify Parvathy, Lord Shiva promised getting Ganesha back to life by getting a head of first dead body. Devas headed towards north in search of a head, but encountered with a elephant and with no other optik. They came with elephant's head. And thats how Lord Ganesh got his head.

Idols of Ganesha, mostly out of clay are bought and kept at home. The day starts with prayers and offering are made. Sakkarai pongal (sweet Rice porridge), mothagam, kozhukattai are prepared in sweet and spicy version as it is believed that Lord Ganesha is fond of Kozhukattai. Kozhukattai and mothagam are steam cooked stuffed rice balls. The stuffing differs, from coconut, sesame, bengal gram.. One of my favourite dishes too.

I made a small rangoli to welcome Little Baby Ganesha. A six pointed star representing Lord Shiva and Shakthi to symbolising the parents of Lord Ganesha. The centre star pointing to Lord Ganesha. With having his trunk and ears with throne to make a complete figure of Lord Ganesha. This is the first time I am attempting in drawing God's figure. I have used pink, red, purple shades on the outer to fill the space. For the ears I have tried to give a shading effect, Hope I have achieved to some extent by giving skin colour. I tried to form a circle, but not so efficient in bringing out the perfect shape. My advice would be draw a circle with a string and chalk piece for a perfect circle which would elevate the overall beauty of the kolam. For the outer, I have added swirls all around the peripheral to give a final touch and adding spikes in between the swirls. Then small lines in the inner layer as I felt the inner layer looked empty without any white colour. So added white colour. I liked the throne part, I placed dots and gave a gentle press to make it flat. I liked its outcome.